Christopher Lee releases album of heavy metal cover versions to mark 92nd birthday

Hammer Horror film legend Sir Christopher Lee has released a collection of heavy metal cover versions, to mark his 92nd birthday.

Lee, better known to a younger generation as Saruman in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, recorded seven tracks for the Metal Knight LP. The record includes heavy metal versions of swing classics 'My Way' and 'The Impossible Dream', as well as covers of two tracks from the Man of La Mancha Musical, which tells the story of Don Quixote. 

"As far as I am concerned, Don Quixote is the most metal fictional character that I know. Single-handed, he is trying to change the world, regardless of any personal consequences," Lee said of his covers. "It is a wonderful character to sing."

Lee embarked on a career in heavy metal over a decade ago, when he collaborated with Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire. Christmas 2013 saw his version of 'Jingle Bells', titled 'Jingle Hell', reach No 18 on the Billboard Charts, making him the oldest ever performer to chart.